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First Time Homebuyers: Chicago and Lincoln Park Illinois home buying, real estate listings, and homes for sale in Cook County, IL

Welcome > For Buyers > First Time Homebuyers ...

Buying Your First Home? Realtors Are Your Professional Guides. Make Sure You Choose a Top Expert.

You might be a bit afraid or intimidated by the whole process of buying your first home. As a top Chicago and Lincoln Park real estate expert, it's my job to guide you, from beginning to end.

I will take the time to go through each and every step of the buying process. There are no dumb questions!

Together, we will consider:

- How much can you really afford?

- How to qualify for a mortgage.

- How much cash you should put down.

- How to buy a home with little or nothing down.

- What it takes to get approved for financing. What banks and other financial institutions are looking for.

- How much your payments will be.

- The tax advantages of buying.

- Is renting or buying better for you?

Tell me a bit about your situation below. I'll get right back to you. There is absolutely no charge, and I offer this to you with no strings attached. Please fill out the form below...

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Bargain Properties >Bargain Homes

Most buyers want a home that is in tip-top condition and ready for them to occupy, but many homes sell for bargain prices because they need work. Buyers love "fixer-uppers" for the obvious reasons: the affordable price and the satisfaction of remodeling the house to accommodate your tastes and needs.

Whether you are buying the property for yourself or as an investment, choose a house that is in a good location and structurally sound. It should be priced enough below market value (usually 25%) to allow plenty of room for a profitable re-sale after the work is completed.

It is important to educate yourself before taking on a fixer-upper project. Inexpensive cosmetic improvements often give the greatest return on your investment-- paint will increase the value three times for every dollar invested. Landscaping, carpeting, and light fixtures are also relatively inexpensive improvements. Try to avoid purchasing a house that needs expensive structural improvements such as a new roof, plumbing, wiring, or foundation repairs.

Remodeling a kitchen will rarely add more than the cost of the upgrade, but new appliances usually give a fine return. An extra bathroom is the best renovation from an investment point of view, often giving twice its cost in added value.

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Q	What famous American building was originally built in 1792, burned and rebuilt 1814-1818 and restored in 1952?
A	The White House in Washington, D.C., modeled after an Irish palace, is a sumptuous example of post-colonial architecture.
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Tod Pratt, REALTORŽ, real estate agent and broker for Chicago and Lincoln Park Illinois home listings, property and land for sale - NUMBER1EXPERT(tm)

Tod Pratt
Koenig& Strey
1940 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
312-475-4185
773-744-4433
Fax: 312-943-6500
tod@yourhomeinchicago.com
Tod has been successfully selling residential real estate full time for the past 16 years. Since the beginning of his real estate career, Tod has believed that good listening and communication skills are his keys in assisting his clients toward the successful search, purchase, and closing of their new home. In this service-oriented business, giving clients the timely, appropriate advice they need is what Tod strives to deliver to every client. In 1993 Tod received the GRI designation (Graduate Realtors Institute), and in 1994, the CRS designation (Certified Residential Specialist). Being the recipient of these designations shows Tod's professional commitment to his industry, and more importantly, to his clients. Tod has had much experience in assisting relocating corporate clients into their new city and home. Tod has been a recommended realtor of Johnson & Johnson, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Jannsen Pharmaceutical, along with many others. Tod specializes in the sale of the following downtown areas of Chicago: Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, The 'Loop', River North, River West, Wrigleyville, and Lakeview. Give Tod a call today and let him use his experience to help you find 'your home in Chicago'.

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